McCann: Wilks adds something different

Manager Grant McCann believes Mallik Wilks will add something different to his striking options after the 19-year-old signed on loan from Leeds United on Wednesday.

The young forward joins up with the squad on Thursday, and McCann says he is delighted to secure Wilks on loan after fighting off competition from other Football League clubs for his signature.

He said: “We have fought off a lot of competition to get him here, he had a really good spell at Accrington last year. His goal per game ratio was good and it is a perfect progression for him.

“It gives us more competition for places and he brings something different. He is strong, quick, left-footed and he can only add to our frontline.”

Wilks has already proven that he can perform at League Two level following loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Grimsby Town last season, and McCann believes he will be able to make the step up.

“I do not think the step up is that big, he can deliver in this league. You only have to look at Jack Marriott last season at Peterborough to see that the step up is not that big,” he added.

“He is a rough diamond and is going to need to be managed a bit, but we will work with him every day to make sure he understands his role in the team.”

Rovers kick-off their Sky Bet League One campaign at Southend United on Saturday August 4, before their first home outing against Wycombe Wanderers the following Saturday.

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